Canada is Welcoming 90,000 International Youth to work and travel in Canada in 2023

Canada has launched the 2023 International Experience Canada (IEC) Program with a 20% increase in the number of applicants who can apply. Applicants are able to apply for the program as of January 9, 2023.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

IEC is a reciprocal program that allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries. This increase means that nearly 90,000 candidates will be able to work and travel in Canada. This program will help employers fill labour gaps, including for seasonal work opportunities in Canada’s tourism industry.

Canada has a long-standing history of supporting Canadian and international youth to travel and work abroad. IEC helps youth explore new cultures, languages, and societies, all while developing life skills and improving their job prospects for the future.

IEC Partner countries

Canada has youth mobility arrangements with more than 30 countries and foreign territories through the IEC Program that allow youth from Canada’s partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to 2 years. The ages range from 18 to 35 depending on the country.

IEC Categories

There are 3 categories of participation under the program:

1. Working Holiday participants receive an open work permit that allows them to work anywhere in the host country to support their travels.

2. International Co-op participants receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain targeted experience in their field of study.

3. Young Professionals participants receive an employer-specific work permit to gain targeted, professional work experience that is within their field of study or career path.

Who can apply

Citizens of the Canada's IEC partner countries who meet the age requirements listed below can apply for the IEC program.

How to apply

This is a 3-step process.

1. Create a profile

2. Get Invitation to Apply

3. Apply for Work Permit

Below is a summary of Canada's IEC partner countries and the IEC categories available for each country.

Table 1: IEC Partner Countries/Territories (A to L)

Country/ Territories	IEC Category	Age Eligibility	Maximum Duration	​Maximum Participation Frequency
Andorra	Working Holiday	18-30	12 months	1
Australia	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	24 months	2
Austria	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-30 18-35 18-35	12 months 12 months 6 months	1 per category
Chile	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2
Costa Rica	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2
Denmark	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	1
Estonia	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat categories not permitted
France	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	24 months	2
Germany	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat categories not permitted
Hong Kong	Working Holiday	18-30	12 months	1
Ireland	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	24 months 12 months 24 months	2. One must be International Co-op.
Italy	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	24 months	2
Greece	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat categories not permitted
Japan	Working Holiday	18-30	12 months	1
Lativa	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat categories not permitted
Lithuania	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat categories not permitted
Luxembourg	Working Holiday International Co-Op. Young Professionals	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat categories not permitted

Table 2: IEC Partner Countries/Territories (M to Z)

Country/ Territories	IEC Category	Age Eligibility	Max Duration	Maximum Participation Frequency
Mexico	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	​18-29	12 months	2, there must be a 3-year break between the 2
New Zealand	Working Holiday	​18-35	23 months	1
Norway	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat category not permitted
Poland	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat category not permitted
Portugal	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	24 months	1
San Marino	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	12 months	2
Slovakia	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat category not permitted
Slovenia	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat category not permitted
South Korea	Working Holiday	​18-30	12 months	1
Sweden	Working Holiday International Co-op. Young Professional	18-35	12 months	2. Repeat category not permitted
Taiwan	Working Holiday	​18-35	12 months	1
United Kingdom	Working Holiday	​18-30	24 months	1

The IEC program is a unique and exciting opportunity for youths to live, work and travel in Canada. It also offers you a potential path to apply for Canada PR if you plan your IEC program strategically before you come to Canada.

If you would like us to help you apply for the IEC program, please complete the online form and we will advise you on the next steps. We look forward to helping you fulfill your dream to work and travel in Canada!